Thread: Fremont, NE Restricts Peaceful Rally

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Susan Smith 402-991-5015
JULY 13, 2010 Founder, Nebraskans Advisory Group



"Usually during a rally against illegal immigration we have to worry about illegal aliens and their American supporters disrupting our peaceful rally. However, in Fremont, Nebraska, it appears our concerns are with the City Administrator who appears to be setting the stage for a hostile environment for the citizens who plan on rallying prior and during the Fremont city council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 13, 2010.

The rally planned by Nebraskans Advisory Group at the request of some Fremont citizens is planned for 3pm - 8pm in front of the Fremont City Building at 400 East Military Ave., Fremont, Ne. In keeping with NAG's commitment to cooperate with Police enforcement, Susan Smith contacted the Deputy Police Chief in Fremont with the Rally information.

"I initiated contact Wednesday, July 7, 2010 regarding this rally," Smith said, "While the Police Dept. has been cooperative the City Administrator, Robert Hartwig is another story. Mr. Hartwig has made restrictions that are not in State Statutes under the guise of "public safety" and with such last minute formal notice and additional restrictions made, it almost impossible for me to alert and inform the rally attendees." Smith says, "The actions of the City Administrator may possibly cause our peaceful rally being easily dispersed or leading to the arrest of law abiding citizens at the request of the City Administrator."

Also worthy of questioning is that these restrictions were not also demanded of One Fremont, One Future organization when they had their rally/walk to discourage the passage of the Fremont Illegal Alien Ordinance. A copy of the restrictions sent via the Fremont Police Dept is shown below.

"NAG has been holding peaceful rallies since 2006 and never have I been subjected to what I consider harassment and the prevention of citizens exercising their lawful right to peacefully assemble. Every citizen should be outraged that this type of "Nazi" style behavior is happening in the heartland of our country."

EMAIL RECEIVED AT APPROXIMATELY 11:30AM TUES., JULY 13, 2010:

To:
"'nagsusansmith@yahoo.com'" <nagsusansmith@yahoo.com>
PLAN FOR GATHERINGS AT

FREMONT MUNICIPAL BUILDING

1) The Police Department will provide a minimum of 2 uniformed officers for the event.

2) Sidewalks surrounding the building must remain clear and unobstructed at all times.

3) Participants must stay on the south and east sides of the building.

4) Participants must stay at least 10 feet from the street.

5) Sound amplification devices are prohibited. Groups will be dispersed if any noise disrupts business.

6) Signs encouraging excessive noise are prohibited.

7) Participants shall not park in the Municipal Building parking lot at any time. These spaces are needed for people doing business in the Municipal Building or wishing to attend City Council and other meetings.

No streets will be closed and all streets must be kept clear and traffic unimpeded.

9) Groups are encouraged to use Barnard Park or John C Fremont Park for gatherings. The maximum number of people permitted to gather at the Municipal Building is 200. Larger groups will be relocated to Barnard Park or John C Fremont Park at the Police Department’s discretion.

10) Restrooms at the Municipal Building will be available for use until 4:30 p.m.

11) City ordinances and/or State statutes relating to disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct will be enforced. Groups failing to follow these ordinances may be dispersed.

Note: These rules are in place to protect the safety of the participants, City employees, and other members of the public who have business with the City.

These restrictions are extream.